As evening fell and training ended for the day, the sunset bathed Marineford in warm golden light.
Gern followed behind Zephyr, walking through several quiet side streets until they stopped in front of a modest two-story house.
"We're here," Zephyr said as he pushed the door open.
A rich, comforting aroma drifted out instantly.
The moment Gern smelled it, his stomach let out a loud protest.
Zephyr glanced back at him.
"That hungry already?"
"Heh… today's training burned through everything," Gern scratched his head awkwardly.
"Come in."
Inside, a short-haired woman was carrying a pot of steaming stew out of the kitchen.
When she saw Gern, her eyes brightened and she smiled warmly.
"You must be Gern. Zephyr talks about you often."
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
Gern straightened immediately and snapped into a proper Marine salute.
"Sorry to intrude!"
"Don't be so stiff." She set the stew down and wiped her hands.
"My name is Lina. I'm Zephyr's fiancée. Call me Lina-san. Sit down and eat."
Gern's gaze was instantly drawn to the table.
Stewed beef, grilled fish, fresh salad, warm bread…
His stomach growled again.
"Sit," Zephyr said, patting his shoulder. His tone was unusually gentle.
They sat together.
Just as Gern picked up his fork, Lina stopped him.
"Wash your hands first."
"…Oh!"
Only then did Gern notice the dried blood and dust still on his hands. He rushed off.
When he returned, Lina had already filled a large bowl for him.
"Thank you!"
He dug in immediately.
"Slow down," Lina laughed, handing him water.
"There's plenty."
Zephyr frowned at Gern's eating speed.
"Were you starved in your past life? Lina cooked all afternoon, you know.
And why does your appetite rival Garp's?!"
"Mmph—because it's good!" Gern answered with his mouth full.
Lina lightly tapped Zephyr's arm.
"He's only sixteen. Growing age."
Zephyr looked at Gern's nearly 190-centimeter frame and twitched.
"…Sixteen?"
Lina chuckled.
"You've taught countless students, but he's the first one you've ever brought home."
"Hmph."
Zephyr didn't reply—but his eyes softened.
Gern kept eating until the table was nearly cleared.
Lina went back to the kitchen and returned with fruit and dessert.
"Try the apple pie."
"Thanks!" Gern's eyes sparkled.
Zephyr shook his head, amused despite himself.
Mid-meal, Gern suddenly asked:
"Zephyr-sensei… you and Lina-san aren't married yet?"
Lina blushed slightly and looked at Zephyr.
"He said once he becomes an Admiral, we'll marry."
"Ahem." Zephyr coughed, turning his head.
"That's right."
"Oh?!" Gern grinned.
"Then how did you two meet?"
Lina's eyes softened with memory.
"When I was very young, he protected me.
I was tricked by other children… and he stood up for me."
"Ohhh?" Gern leaned forward.
"Then what was Zephyr-sensei like as a kid?"
Lina thought for a moment, then smiled brightly.
"Just like now. A hero of justice."
She suddenly stood, hands on her hips, chest out.
"I am the Hero of Justice—Z!!"
Zephyr's face turned bright red.
"Lina!!"
Gern burst out laughing.
"So you were that passionate?! Hero of Justice Z!"
"And!" Lina laughed harder.
"He was dense beyond belief. I followed him all the way from his hometown to Marineford, and he still didn't realize I liked him!"
Zephyr sighed helplessly—but the warmth in his eyes was unmistakable.
Dinner ended in laughter.
Gern insisted on helping clean up.
Night fell.
As he left, Lina packed snacks for him.
"Come again next time."
"Thank you!" Gern said sincerely.
Walking home under the stars, warmth lingered in his chest.
He knew what fate awaited Zephyr in the future.
"…I won't let that happen," he vowed quietly.
Later, in the quiet house—
Lina hugged Zephyr from behind.
"He's a good boy. Don't be too harsh."
Zephyr covered her hands with his own.
"…He's troublesome," he admitted softly.
"But good."
"You really value him."
"…His heart is straight."
After a pause, Zephyr murmured:
"I see my younger self in him."
Lina smiled.
"When I become an Admiral," Zephyr said firmly,
"I'll marry you at my peak."
She laughed softly, eyes glistening.
"I've waited long enough, idiot."
Moonlight bathed Marineford in silence.